The specific contribution of the vascular system to the development of lymphedema is unclear. Vascular permeability is a complex process which is primarily controlled by the interaction of the ligand vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). As a result of the understanding of the biology of VEGF and the anecdotal appreciation of women with lymphedema who have noted improvement in their lymphedema while on VEGF inhibitor therapy, it is hypothesized that the reduction in vascular permeability resulting from the use of a VEGF inhibitor either alone or in conjunction with standard decongestive lymphedema therapy may significantly improve the outcome for patients with this post-operative complication.